Frackville Elks celebrate Flag Day
Jun. 14—FRACKVILLE — The Frackville Elks Lodge 1533 held its annual Flag Day ceremony Sunday in honor of the country and its emblem.
Exalted Ruler William Cickavage said celebrating the flag and everyone it represents is important to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks not only on Flag Day.
"Elks is a distinctively American organization, and we honor the flag every day of our lives," Cickavage said.
During the ceremony, officers of the Elks lodge gave a history of the flag and everything it signifies, including virtue, charity, justice for all, brotherly love and fidelity.
Cickavage said the Elks order requires formal observance of Flag Day, as the flag represents the cardinal principals of the order.
"We live our lives for our country, and we are ready to die for our country," Cickavage said.
State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, spoke during the ceremony about the importance of the "often overlooked observance" of Flag Day, which marks the 244th birthday of the flag this year.
"It is a day to pause and reflect on what the American flag means to all of us," he said.
Twardzik said throughout history, each time the flag was flown during wars and conflicts, it represented valor, humanity, democracy and sacrifice in the struggle for independence.
"Now, more than ever, it is important to remember the sacrifice," he said. "The flag was a constant sign that America, land of the free, home of the brave, would be preserved."
The flag will continue to fly, Twardzik said, because of those who honor it like the Elks.
Gordon Cub Scout Pack 780 took part in the ceremony by presenting the different versions of the American flag throughout history, from the pine tree flag of 1775 to the present 50 stars and stripes.
The presentation of the flags was followed by a salute and singing of "God Bless America."
Bill Mack, past district deputy, said the flag is a symbol of the country's heritage and the rights of all to life, liberty, happiness and peace.
"Upon its folds is written the story of America," he said.
The service ended with a flag raising outside the lodge and salute by the Mount Carmel Joint Veterans firing squad.
